Ways to Carry a Loved One's Ashes — Beyond the Urn

An urn is the traditional answer to what to do with cremation ashes. But for many people, keeping ashes in a fixed location doesn't feel like enough. They want to carry their loved one with them — on their body, in their daily life, in a way that feels active rather than static.

Here are the most meaningful ways to carry a loved one's ashes beyond a traditional urn.

Memorial Rings

The most personal and durable option. A small amount of ash is permanently sealed inside a resin inlay within a ring band — worn on the hand every day for the rest of your life. Memorial rings are available in a wide range of materials and designs, from rugged tungsten and Damascus steel to elegant silver and opal.

→ Shop ash rings
→ How ashes are added to rings

Ash Pendants and Necklaces

Worn close to the heart. Ash pendants carry a small amount of cremation ash inside a resin or glass encapsulation, suspended from a chain. Available in a range of shapes, materials, and styles.

→ Ash necklaces guide

Ash Bracelets

Worn on the wrist as a constant physical reminder. Ash bracelets incorporate cremation ash into beads or cuff components using a resin inlay process.

→ Ash bracelets guide

Keepsake Objects

Non-wearable pieces that incorporate cremation ash into a meaningful object — a paperweight, an ornament, a decorative piece for the home. These allow the ashes to be present in a space without the formality of an urn.

→ Explore cremation keepsakes

Scattering

Scattering ashes in a meaningful location — a favorite place, a body of water, a mountain — is a powerful act of release. Many families scatter a portion of the ashes while keeping a portion for memorial jewelry or an urn. Because memorial rings require very little ash, scattering and commissioning a ring are not mutually exclusive.

Planting

Biodegradable urns allow ashes to be incorporated into the soil around a tree or plant, creating a living memorial. This can be done alongside commissioning memorial jewelry from the same cremation.

Multiple Options From One Cremation

A standard cremation produces several pounds of ash — far more than is needed for any single memorial option. Most families use a combination: an urn for the home, memorial rings for family members who want to carry the connection personally, and scattering for a meaningful location. The ash is more than sufficient for all of these.

→ How much ash is needed for memorial jewelry
→ Memorial jewelry vs urns
→ Complete guide to ashes in jewelry
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→ Memorial jewelry FAQ